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Archive | December, 2010

Conceptualized over 1,000 years ago, the mbira is used in ceremonies of healing and personal meditation, and incorporates a canon of songs that are offered as prayers. The mbira is particularly associated with the ancestors, spirits of loved ones who no longer walk the earth but are still among us offering guidance and comfort.

The ndoro is an emblem personified by the spiral shape of the mollusk shell. These shells were rarely found in land-locked Zimbabwe. Because of their rarity, the ndoro spiral became an insignia of spiritual power and are considered a link to the ancestral realm.

Ndoro Dze Madzinza (“emblem of Africa’s clans, linking us to our ancestors”) is a collection of mbira songs and an expression of appreciation for the richness and beauty Shona and Pan-African traditions.

Song List and DescriptionsClick on title to hear a sample!

Chigwaya – In honor of the Njuzu, (mermaid Spirits) who are much loved because they bring wealth and protection.

Kanhurura – The name alludes to “something small used to get something big”, such as an object utilized to pick fruit off of a high branch. May be used in ceremony to entice the Spirit to come, because the melody is considered to be so beautiful that they cannot ignore it. This is also an example of nhetete style – soft music played toward the end of a ceremony as everyone gathers to hear what the Spirits have to say.

Nyama Musango “There is meat in the forest.” So, go out and get what you need. Don’t wait for what you need to come to you.

Chimentengure One of the five types of lamellophones typically played in Zimbabwe, it has a very different key arrangement and repertory than the mbira dza vadzimu. Karimba are typically played for entertainment, rather than for ceremony.

Mukai Tiende “Wake up, let’s go!” Played to awaken us to do what it is we need to do.

Nhema Musasa One of the oldest and most popular songs in the 1000 year old canon of repertoire, the name means ‘to build as temporary shelter in the forest’.

Baya Wa Baya “Stab after stab”. Played for Kurova Guva ceremonies to welcome home the wandering Spirit of a deceased relative.

Karigamombe “Undefeatable, one who cannot be knocked to the ground.” Although this song is typically the very first one learned by new mbira students, it is regularly played in ceremonies.

A Walk by the Sea is an offering of thanksgiving. Water, as a vessel of healing, connects us to each other, to the natural world, and to the Divine.

Song List and Descriptions

He Mele No Na Aumakua An offering of love to our ancestors.Mihi Au A traditional Tahitian love song.Na Hoku ‘Elua “The Two Hokus”, a song in celebrating Mahea’s son and Tahitian Godson, both with the name Hoku (star).Shumba yaNgwasha An mbira song in celebrating community.A Prayer at Sunset Based on the mbira song ‘Kuzanga’ this song is dedicated to the ancestors.Cherokee Morning Song This is a song which one would chant while entering the river in the morning to give thanks for the new day, and to wash away any feelings separating you from your family, neighbors, or the Creator.Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)/Huli Ka Honua “Huli Ka Honua” a Hawaiian adaptation of “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)”.Uaro Composed by Aaron Sencil. A song for the Shore Goddess.Pahupahu A fusion of Tahitian ‘Ote’a with the West African rhythms of Lamba (for healing) and Manjiani (for celebration), this performance is a celebration and call of support for all of us who walk in two worlds.He Kamahele Au Home resides in the heart.Te Arohanui A prayer calling on the Ancestor Spirits for strength and perseverance.Walk in Balance A hidden track” not included in the liner notes.

Song List and DescriptionsTe Moana We are all connected by the ocean. ‘Ote’a Heivari’i Featured on the 2009, Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards! Pua Noanoa Weave a flower hei to entice the beautiful one to dance! Kaveka The legend of the bird Kaveka. Ua Ro’ohia Ta’u Tino it Te Ati “I am caught up with difficulty.” ‘Ote’a Kahaia, Taura o Te Here Give thanks and praise to the creator for each other. Tapa’o No Te Here The Sacred Fire is the sign of love. Taure’are’a A call to the youth of today to step forward. Morning at Mo’orea A song of love for the island of Mo’orea ‘Ote’a Nahiti Na Manu ‘Erua An ‘ote’a telling the legend of the Dual-Spirit Bird